RICS Level 2 Survey in Burton on the Wolds

Our Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that may impact the value or safety of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and vital systems including plumbing, electrical, and heating. The survey also includes an assessment of any outbuildings, garages, and the condition of the surrounding grounds. Our inspectors work methodically through each section of the property, documenting their findings with detailed photographs and clear descriptions that any buyer can understand.

Burton on the Wolds properties often feature traditional construction methods using red brick and granite rubble, with roofs typically finished in Swithland or Welsh slate tiles. Our surveyors understand these local building materials and can identify issues common to older properties in the area, such as deterioration of mortar pointing, slate tile damage, or problems arising from the historic use of solid wall construction. We also check for signs of movement or structural issues that may relate to the underlying geology of the area, paying particular attention to any indicators of ground instability that might be linked to the historical gypsum mining activity in the region.

The survey report includes clear ratings for each element inspected: condition rating 1 indicates no repair is needed, condition rating 2 means repair or replacement is needed, and condition rating 3 signifies serious defects requiring urgent attention. We provide practical advice on the priority and likely cost of any repairs, helping you negotiate with the seller if issues are identified. For properties in Burton on the Wolds conservation area or listed buildings, we can advise whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Survey might be more appropriate given the special considerations that apply to heritage properties.

• Wall and ceiling condition
• Roof and chimney assessment
• Damp and timber decay testing
• Window and door inspection
• Electrical and heating systems
• Plumbing and drainage overview
• Outbuildings and grounds
• Legal considerations and planning issues

The village has seen significant new development in recent years, with the Waltonbrook development by Owl Homes bringing 66 new homes to the area on the southern edge of Burton on the Wolds. This development offers a range of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom properties with prices ranging from £385,000 to £720,000. Additional new developments including Fox Hollow by Jelson and Honeysuckle Rise by William Davis Homes are also coming soon to the village, with planning permission granted for further residential development on Loughborough Road. These new developments are transforming the village and expanding housing options for families moving to the area.

While new build properties typically have fewer issues than older homes, a RICS Level 2 survey is still valuable for identifying any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems with the build quality. Our surveyors can check the quality of workmanship, verify that installations meet current building regulations, and ensure that everything has been completed to an acceptable standard. Even newly built homes can have issues that need addressing before the warranty period expires, and having a professional survey documented provides you with evidence should any disputes arise with the builder.

If you are purchasing a property in one of the new developments in Burton on the Wolds, we recommend a Level 2 survey to document the property's condition at the time of purchase. This provides valuable evidence if any issues arise after you move in, and our surveyors are familiar with common new build issues such as inadequate insulation, poorly fitted windows, or drainage problems that may not be immediately apparent. For the newer developments, we can also offer a snagging inspection service to identify any cosmetic or structural defects that the builder should rectify before completion, giving you before the warranty period begins.

Understanding the local building traditions helps our surveyors identify issues specific to properties in Burton on the Wolds and the surrounding Charnwood area. The predominant traditional building materials in this part of Leicestershire are red brick and granite rubble, with roofs typically finished in Swithland slate tiles or Welsh slate. These materials have proven durable over decades, but each comes with its own maintenance requirements that our inspectors know to assess carefully during every survey.

Swithland slate, quarried locally from the Charnwood Forest area, has been used on roofs throughout the region for centuries and is prized for its durability and distinctive appearance. However, older slate roofs may have individual tiles that have become brittle or damaged over time, and our surveyors check thoroughly for any missing, cracked, or slipped tiles that could lead to water ingress. Welsh slate was imported in the Victorian and Edwardian periods and remains popular, though it too requires regular inspection for signs of deterioration.

Many properties in Burton on the Wolds were constructed using solid wall construction rather than modern cavity wall insulation, which presents specific challenges for thermal efficiency and moisture management. Our surveyors assess the condition of solid walls and can advise on any signs of damp penetration or deterioration that might require attention. Understanding these local construction methods means we can provide you with relevant, practical advice that takes account of how properties in this area were traditionally built.

Burton on the Wolds is a desirable village location in Charnwood, offering a peaceful rural setting while remaining within easy reach of Loughborough, Leicester, and Nottingham. The village features a mix of property ages, from historic cottages near the centre to post-war homes and modern developments. Many properties in the area date back to the 1950s and 1960s when military sites became redundant and building land was released, meaning a significant proportion of the housing stock is now over 50 years old.

Properties of this age commonly require attention to issues such as damp, roof condition, outdated electrical systems, and the condition of original windows and doors. Our RICS Level 2 survey identifies these issues and provides practical guidance on maintenance and repair priorities. The village also contains nine Grade II Listed Buildings and falls within a conservation area, meaning special considerations apply to many period properties. The Lion's Head water fountain in the village is one of the notable Grade II listed features, reflecting the historical significance of the area.

The local geology of the Leicestershire Wolds can present specific challenges, and our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues relevant to the area. Historical gypsum mining in the region, combined with the clay-rich soils typical of the Wolds landscape, means that our inspectors pay close attention to signs of subsidence, movement, or ground instability. The former RAF Wymeswold site, located nearby, became an industrial complex after the airfield closed in 1957, and the history of development on former military land is another factor our surveyors consider when assessing properties in the area.

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the Charnwood area, we regularly identify several common issues that buyers in Burton on the Wolds should be aware of. Damp penetration is one of the most frequently encountered problems, particularly in older properties with solid walls that were not designed to meet modern standards for moisture resistance. Our surveyors use visual assessment and moisture meters to check wall and floor surfaces for signs of damp, and we provide clear recommendations if further investigation by a damp proofing specialist is needed.

Roof condition is another area that often requires attention, especially on period properties with slate tiles that may have reached the end of their expected lifespan. We inspect roofs from both inside and outside where accessible, checking for damaged or missing tiles, signs of previous repairs, and the condition of flashing around chimneys and roof windows. Many properties in the village also have original timber windows that may need restoration or replacement, and our reports detail the condition of all windows and doors throughout the property.

Electrical and heating systems in older properties frequently require updating to meet current safety standards, and our surveyors note the age and condition of these vital systems. We cannot test electrical installations as this requires a qualified electrician, but we can identify visible signs of wear, outdated consumer units, or potential safety concerns that should be investigated further before you complete your purchase. The same applies to plumbing and drainage systems, where we note the type of pipework installed and any visible signs of corrosion or leaks.